Learning and exploring your body is not wrong. Female bodies are unique and must be adored by ladies themselves. But let me tell you about the five things which I have learned in the first year with my vagina.
- First of all, it’s not just about outer appearances
I know what most people think about those who think about making a transition. Of course, the whole ordeal seems on the surface just about appearance’s sake. The whole procedure is also done on a physical level.
But what I would like more people to realise is that for a lot of us who have made the transition, and those who are considering it, it goes beyond just the outer appearance.
The transition has a lot more to do with our general sense of identity, and it’s not something to be taken lightly. But I also realise that this is my story. I’m sure other people other have other thoughts in their minds.
But my first year living with my vagina, I feel a total sense of liberation from finally feeling that I’m in the right body. And that’s greatly helped me cope with my sense of being lost.
- A lot of my income goes into maintaining my neo vagina
During the first year of living with my new vagina, I realise that a lot of my income goes into maintaining this new body part. It was not cheap at all. I have to take shots—hormone replacement therapy injections—that are exorbitantly expensive.
In accordance with a study documented by the National Institute of Health, individuals who undergo gender transition within the initial year of adopting a vagina often face substantial financial commitments to uphold their new physiological aspects. This includes the necessity for costly hormone replacement therapy injections, which can incur notably high expenses.
The surgery already cost me a lot of money and the maintenance is also asking a lot out of my pocket. I realise how lucky I am to be in a financial situation to afford all of this. As I’m aware this is not a lifestyle most other people can afford.
I’m basically just grateful I was able to transition. Because the cost of my health maintenance is also costly, I have little room left for other hobby items, but this is a sacrifice I’m willing to make.
We all need to focus on just a few priorities at a given time.
- I straight up tell people I’m trans
When I’m out and about, and I hope you don’t judge me for saying this, I straight up tell people I’m trans when I’m getting hit on at a bar or elsewhere.
For me personally, it’s easier to do so, so that I can avoid the sense of rejection that may come up later when I finally feel like I ‘have a confession’ to make.
Rather than making other people feel like they’ve been misled, I’d rather tell them straight up what and who I am. If they don’t like that fact about me, I’m fine with it.
I’d rather be loved for who I truly am by somebody who can understand and accept me. Trans or not trans, doesn’t everybody want to be loved for who they are? For me, it’s all just the same.
So, I don’t pretend to be who I am not. I am trans and proud of it.
- I feel heartbroken knowing I can never bear a child
During the first year with my vagina, I finally feel like myself. I am a woman now. But all in all, I am a trans woman. Of course, that’s different from other women who were born with natural vaginas.
They go through biological things I can never know anything about. And for that, I can never know the joy of getting pregnant and giving birth to a child. To be honest, it’s something I’ve always wanted to know and have.
But then I learnt that just because I can’t bear a child due to biology, it doesn’t make me less of a woman. There are also women who for some medical reasons can’t give birth to a child, right?
Drawing from research highlighted by Health line Media, it’s important to acknowledge that biological constraints prevent individuals who have undergone transgender procedures from bearing children. However, this should not be a source of discouragement, as embracing motherhood remains an attainable reality. Adoption offers a pathway for these individuals to experience the joys of parenthood just like any other woman, allowing them to fully embrace and relish their transformed lives.
I finally understand that’s all just the same so I’m not really losing out on anything. When I’m ready, I can still adopt a child and that’s just as wonderful.
- There are weird things I must do to maintain my neo vagina
As a transwoman, there are things and experiences that are normal for natural women that I can’t experience. On the flip side, there are also certain weird things I must do regularly to maintain my neo-vagina.
This is totally something a natural woman would never have to do. This thing is called dilation.
Dilation is not that fun, it’s not even the same as masturbating, but it is what’s necessary to maintain the shape of my surgical vagina if I want to keep it healthy and functioning.
Dilation is basically a self-care routine that people with piercings do when they want to increase the size of the hole of their piercing. When you have a vagina done through surgery, the body treats it as a wound and it will want to close that wound up.
Per findings outlined by the Mayo Clinic, adhering to a scheduled dilation routine is imperative for maintaining the depth and width of the vaginal canal. It’s crucial to prioritize dilation even when experiencing discomfort, as over time, the process should become less painful. This consistent practice is essential to ensure the continued openness of the vaginal passage.
That’s why dilation is necessary to keep the vagina open.
In conclusion, we can say that there are several things that women experience about their womanhood with time. The five things discussed above can help you learn more about how I learned about vaginas during my first years.
Vagina Facts: What Are The 10 Things You Should Know?
The vagina is an integral part of a woman’s body, yet it is often shrouded in mystery and taboo. Many women are not fully aware of the important role the vagina plays in their overall health and well-being. With that in mind, here are 10 important facts every woman should know about the vagina.
1. The Vagina Is a Self-Cleaning Organ
Contrary to popular belief, the vagina does not need to be cleaned with harsh soaps or douches. In fact, these products can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, leading to infections and irritation. The vagina has its own self-cleaning mechanism, with the help of healthy bacteria and a natural discharge. Simply cleaning the external area with warm water is enough to keep the vagina clean and healthy.
2. It Can Stretch and Contract
The vagina is a remarkably elastic organ. It can stretch to accommodate a baby’s head during childbirth, and then contract back to its original size. This elasticity also allows for comfortable sexual intercourse and the use of tampons. However, excessive stretching or trauma can lead to pelvic floor disorders, such as urinary incontinence and prolapse.
3. It Changes Throughout the Menstrual Cycle
The vagina is not a static organ, and it goes through changes throughout the menstrual cycle. During ovulation, the vagina produces more discharge, which is thin and clear, and helps sperm reach the egg for fertilization. After ovulation, the discharge becomes thicker and cloudy. These changes are completely normal and are a sign of a healthy reproductive system.
4. The Vagina Is Home to Healthy Bacteria
The vagina is home to a diverse community of bacteria, collectively known as vaginal flora. These bacteria play an important role in maintaining the pH balance of the vagina and protecting it from harmful pathogens. The most common bacteria found in the vagina is lactobacillus, which produces lactic acid, keeping the vagina acidic and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria.
5. The Vagina Is Not a Straight Tunnel
Contrary to popular belief, the vagina is not a straight tunnel. It has a complex structure with multiple layers of tissue and folds, which can expand and contract. The inner walls of the vagina have ridges called rugae, which help with lubrication and sensation during sexual intercourse. The opening of the vagina is also surrounded by a ring of muscles called the pelvic floor muscles, which support the pelvic organs and play a role in sexual pleasure.
6. It Is a Source of Sexual Pleasure
The vagina is not just a reproductive organ; it is also a source of sexual pleasure. The clitoris, located at the top of the vaginal opening, is a highly sensitive organ that can bring about intense sexual pleasure when stimulated. The G-spot, located on the front wall of the vagina, is another erogenous zone that can lead to powerful orgasms.
7. It Has Its Own Unique Smell
The vagina has its own unique smell, which can vary from woman to woman and throughout the menstrual cycle. While some may find this smell unpleasant, it is completely normal and is a result of the natural discharge and bacteria in the vagina. Using scented products to mask the smell can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and lead to infections.
8. It Can Experience Pain and Discomfort
The vagina is a sensitive organ and can experience pain and discomfort for various reasons. These include infections, hormonal changes, menopause, and certain medical conditions. Pain during sexual intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, is also a common issue that many women experience. If you are experiencing persistent pain or discomfort in the vagina, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.
9. It Needs Regular Check-Ups
Regular gynecological check-ups are essential for maintaining the health of the vagina. These check-ups can help detect any issues early on and prevent them from developing into serious conditions. Women should start having regular pelvic exams and Pap smears from the age of 21 or when they become sexually active, whichever comes first.
10. It Is Not the Same for Everyone
Every woman’s vagina is unique, and there is no ‘normal’ or ‘perfect’ size or appearance. The shape, size, and color of the labia and the clitoris can vary greatly from woman to woman. It is important to embrace and celebrate the diversity of the female body, including the vagina.
In conclusion, the vagina is a complex and fascinating organ that plays a crucial role in a woman’s reproductive, sexual, and overall health. By understanding and taking care of our vaginas, we can ensure their well-being and enjoy all the amazing things they are capable of.
